World champion Lewis Hamilton has posted a conciliatory message on Twitter for bitter rival Max Verstappen that's dividing fans.
Hamilton's tweet on Monday morning came after he was accused of "dirty" racing during the moment he nudged Verstappen into the wall in a 290km/h collision.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner told UKTV: "For me, that's a hollow victory."You boys know as well as anyone, Copse is one of the fastest corners in the world. You don't stick a wheel up the inside. That's just dirty driving."
The British superstar was given a 10-second time penalty by race officials and was eventually penalised two championship points for the incident which saw Verstappen sent to hospital.
Hamilton went on to win the British Grand Prix and celebrated gleefully in front of his home fans.
The drama took a shameful turn after the race when Hamilton was the victim of disgusting racist abuse and threats online.
Verstappen then took to Instagram after the race to deliver a stinging message to the Mercedes star where he accused his rival of "disrespect".
"First of all: I am glad I'm ok. It was quite an impact at 51G but feeling better," he said as a caption of a photo showing him being pulled out of his wrecked car.
"Obviously very disappointed with being taken out like this. The penalty given does not help us in any way and doesn't do justice to the dangerous move Lewis made on track. Watching the celebrations after the race while still in hospital is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behavior but we move on."
Hamilton appeared to move to simmer the heated war of words with a post on Twitter where he sent his best wishes to the Red Bull racer.
However, his failure to apologise in the message has enraged some fans who wanted an apology for both the incident and the way he celebrated after the race.
The 36-year-old tweeted: "Today is a reminder of the dangers in this sport.
"I send my best wishes to Max who is an incredible competitor. I'm glad to hear he is ok.
"I will always race hard but always fairly. My team showed grit and perseverance out there.
"It's a dream to win in front of my home crowd."
His tweet included three photos of him celebrating at the famous Silverstone circuit.
The comments under the tweet were divided with some praising Hamilton's classy touch, while others slammed him for his failure to admit fault.
Today is a reminder of the dangers in this sport. I send my best wishes to Max who is an incredible competitor. I’m glad to hear he is ok. I will always race hard but always fairly. My team showed grit and perseverance out there. It’s a dream to win in front of my home crowd💜🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/3S16uFYmDZ
Horner later added in an interview on UK TV: "For me, that's a hollow victory."You boys know as well as anyone, Copse is one of the fastest corners in the world. You don't stick a wheel up the inside. That's just dirty driving."
Verstappen was later discharged from hospital "following a thorough medical examination, without any major injuries," said the team.
It was "a pretty impressive impact," said Dr. Ian Roberts, Formula One's medical rescue co-ordinator.
He said Verstappen was "a little winded to say the least" but added there were "no injuries apparent at the moment".
Stewards imposed a 10 second-penalty, the second lightest punishment available to them, on Hamilton who was still able to chase down Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who finished second.